Ex-Cub Dempster joins MLB Network

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster has been hired by the MLB Network to serve as a studio analyst.

Dempster will make his debut Wednesday as part of planned coverage of Wrigley Field's 100th anniversary, the network said.

Dempster, who earned a World Series ring last season with the Boston Red Sox, announced at a news conference in February that he wouldn't play in 2014 but stopped short of saying he was retiring.

"I had an incredible run," Dempster, who joined the Cubs in 2004 and was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2012, told reporters. "I had a chance to play 16 years in the major leagues and be around a lot of great teammates, made a lot of good friendships -- great friendships -- a lot of great memories.

"But I just feel like where I'm at with my health, how I feel personally, I just feel like it's in the best interests of both myself and the organization and the team to not play this year. I don't feel like I can compete or produce the way I'm accustomed to."

Dempster made his major-league debut with the Florida Marlins in 1998 and also played for the Cincinnati Reds during a 16-year career.